Schiff bases as linker in the development of quinoline-sulfonamide hybrids as selective cancer-associated carbonic anhydrase isoforms IX/XII inhibitors: A new regioisomerism tactic

A novel set of quinoline tailored with the sulfonamide as zinc-binding group (ZBG) has been rationalized and synthesized as carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitors. Such hybrids were decorated by a novel elongated imine linker with/without ethylene spacer with variable hydrophobic and lipophilic pockets. Therefore, a regioisomeric tactic has been established, most of which act as efficient inhibitors of the tumor-associated CA isoforms IX and XII. Interestingly, one hybrid 10b displayed an appreciable activity in MCF-7 cell line under normoxic condition (IC50 of 8.42 mu M) in comparison to the standard staurosporine (IC50 = 5.34 mu M) and excellent activity under hypoxic conditions (IC50 = 1.56 mu M) in comparison to staurosporine (IC50 = 4.45 mu M). Further-more, hybrids 8a and 10b encouraged MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell apoptosis alongside promising Bax/Bcl expression ratio change. Docking studies were also, performed and agreed with the biological results. Our SAR study suggested that our regiosiomerization tactic for the quinoline based-sulfonamide molecules led to effective inhibition of tumuor-relevant hCAs IX/XII.

Automated summary

A series of novel quinoline derivatives with sulfonamide as zinc-binding group (ZBG) were synthesized as carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors. The compounds exhibited efficient inhibition against tumor-associated CA isoforms IX and XII, with one particular hybrid 10b demonstrating significant activity against MCF-7 cancer cells under normal and hypoxic conditions. The compounds also induced apoptosis in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells and altered the Bax/Bcl expression ratio. Docking studies supported the biological findings, indicating the effectiveness of the regioisomeric tactic for the quinoline-based sulfonamide molecules in inhibiting tumor-relevant hCAs IX/XII.